Hat-machine.



j' ]R yHAT MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DE01. 19I5.

1 1 9 1 ,709 Patented July 18, 1916. l

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l W//VESSES /NVENTOR 1. LAKE, 1n.

l HAT MACHINE. APPLlcATloN FILED DEC. I. 1915.

1 l 9 l ,709. Patented July 18, 1916.

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l. LAKE, Jn.

HAT MACHINE.

APPLICATIGN FILED nEc .l.19x5.

l ,1 9 1,709. Patented July 18, 1916,

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ATmR/vfrs srarns HAT-MACHINE.

' Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 18, y1916.

Application iled December 1, 1915. Serial No. 64,465..

To all whom t may concern.' Y

Be it known that I, JAMEs LAKE, Jr.a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of New York, borough of Manhattan, in the county and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Hat-h/Iaehine, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

Among the principal objects which the present invention has in .v-iew are: to provide means for equalizing pressure applied to hat brims to accommodate the employment of a variety of shapes for molding said brims; to provide a machine wherein pressures of different degrees may be applied to y the shaping of the crown and to the brim of a hat; to provide means for applying a variety of pressures to different parts of a hat; and to provide means for manually controlling certain of said pressures.

Drawings-Figure 1 is a side view of a hat machine constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of an upper fragment of the machine; Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken as on the line 3--3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view on an enlarged scale, showing the cross head and hydraulic press members supported thereby for setting the shape of the crown and brim of a hat; Fig.

" is a detail view in section, showing on an enlarged scale, the inner wall of the pressure box for setting the brim and holding members therefor, said wall and members being shown as separated. i

Description-The mechanism for raising and lowering the cross head used in the pres'- ent invention, and the supporting stanchion rods 10 therefor, are fully set forth in my application filed the 11th day of August, 1915, for Letters Patent on improvement in hat-pressing machines, the serial number of said application being 44,959, and to which application cross reference is here made. For the purpose of the present disclosure, it is deemed sufficient to state that the arms 11 are alined when the foot lever 12 is depressed by the operator, and the shaft 18 with which the hand lever 14 is connected, is lowered to its operative position.

The blocks 15 wherein arev formed bearings'for the shaft 13, are rigidly connected with the stanchion rodsv10, which by the same action are lowered operating to draw the cross head 16 and parts connected therewith toward the heating table 17, wherein is provided a crown-mold for the hat to be made, and wherein is supported a brimforming die 1S. As clearly shown in the appllcation above referred to, when the lever 14 is drawn by the operator forward and downward, the crown mold is moved into position to receive the expansible hydraulic head 19 by which, subsequently, hydraulic pressure is imparted to the hat crown.

In the present invention, the crown molds and brim-forming dies described and shown in the application referred to, are employed in the=same manner as therein mentioned. It will be understood, however, in this connection, that while the mechanism is shown in the said application for manufacturing the crown of a hat, the present invention is not limited to use in combination with the mechanism referred to, but may also be'utivlized in connection with other crown-forming or pressing mechanisms.

- The cross head 16 has a central yoke 20` wherein is revolubly mounted a nut 21. The nut 21 is centrally bored and adapted to engage the feed screw 22. The feed screw 22 is non-rotatably mounted while the nut 21 turns, being provided for this purpose with a hand wheel 23. The screw 22 is operativ-ely attached with the piston head 24, va

union 25 connecting the same. The piston head 24 is reciprocated in the cylinder 26 for extending or retracting the expansible hydraulic head 19 in relation to the expansible hydraulic brim-setting face 27.

The head 19` and face 27 are preferably formed from rubber. Any suitable material or mechanical arrangement which will evenly expand under pressure applied internally thereto and which is impervious to the pressure medium, may be employed. In the present invention, a difference exists in the head 19 and face 27, in that the latter has preferably ya hardened surface imparted thereto. This surface is produced when the face 27 is constructed of rubber, by vulcanizing the same to the consistency of what is known as hard rubber. The hardened surface thus provided assists in the subsequent operation of pressing the brims of hats, for which function it is specially designed.

The'face 27 is shaped to conform with the general contour of certain types of brimforming dies, such as indicated by the numeral 18, the said face being su'liiciently pliable to accommodate the individual characteristics of the said dies within certain limited scope. lVhatever the contour of the face 27, it is provided with annular` vflanges 28 and 29, the former fitting over the cylinder 26, and the latter extending below the annular flange 30 with which a press head cylinder 31 is furnished. The cylinder 31 is rigidly connected with the cross head 16, and with the cylinder 26, the latter being supported on the said cylinder 31 by screws 32, as seen best in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The fiange 28 is held in certain position by the cylinder 26, and the flange 29 is held in certain position by the clamping ring 33 and the screw 34 which draws the same toward the flange 30.

`When the face 27 and the flanges connected therewith above mentioned, are in place, a. hollow chamber is formed to which water is supplied by means of a flexible pipe rllhe screw 22 performs a similar ofce for the head 19, said screw being tubular and connected with the water service pipe 36, which is supplied from any suitable station,

such as that indicated in the drawings by the designatingnumeral 37. The pipe 35 is likewise connected with the pipe 3G, as seen best in Fig. 2 of the drawings.

The pipe 36 is provided with an inlet valve 38 and an outlet valve 39. Between` the inlet and outlet valves thus indicated, is placed a pressure gage 40. The connection between the screw 22 and the pipe 36, is provided with a valve 41, and the connection between the pipes 35 and 36 embodies a valve 42. By manipulating the valves 38, 39, 41 and 42, different pressures may be introduced in the head 19 and cylinder 31. Also by means of the gage 40, these pressures may be denoted.

Operation-lllhen employing a machine constructed and arranged in accordance with the above description and as shown in the accompanying drawings, a crude or unformed hat body after being properly stamped, is adjusted on the brim-forming die 18 and within the crown mold in the table 17. rlhe operator moves the foot lever 12 to its lowered position, which depresses the cross head 16, the head 19 and the cylinder 31. The head 19 is defiated to freely enter the crown mold in the table 17. The pressure in the cylinder 31 is relieved to permit the face 27 to rest on the die 18, to permit the ring 33 to contact with the table 17 Space enough exists between the piston head 24 and the cylinder 26, to permit the escape of any air which might otherwise be trapped at the upper portion of the pocket formed by the face 27. It will also be seen I that prior to the ring 3,3 resting on the tavcrown of the hat. .the brim shall be rendered firmer by a further pressure, the valve 41 is turned to inble 17, the face 27 settles upon the brim of Athe hat, which at the moment reposes on the die 18. The machine is then locked in this position to prevent the separation of the cylinder 31 and the ring 33 thereof from the table 17, when water pressure is admitted to the head 19 and cylinder 31. The operator now opens the valve 38 and the valves 41 and 42, which permits the water from the pipe 3G and supply station 37 to flow into the head 19 and cylinder 31. Responding to the pressure of the water thus introduced, the head 19 expands to lill the crown mold and to set firmly against the wall thereof,

`the material forming the crown of the hat.

The face 27 is also moved by the pressure in the cylinder 31, against the brim of the hat resting on the die 18. The pressure of the crown and brim is tightened until the gage 40 indicates the pressure designed for the If it is determined that terrupt communication between the pipe 3G 'and the head 19, wherein the pressure remains constant and fixed.

The pressure supply being tightened by reason of the valves 38 and 42 being opened, the pressure continues to augment in the cylinder 31 and to press the face 27 with growing intensity upon the brim of the hat on the die 18. Vhen the final or predetermined pressure for the brim is indicated on the gage 40, either the valve 38 or the valve 42 may be closed. If, however, it is desired to maintain the pressure on the brim of the hat longer than upon the crown, the valve 42 is closed as well as the valve 38. Then now the crown has been subjected to pressure for a suii'icient period of time, the valve 39 is opened and the valve 41 is gradually opened to permit so much of the water in the head 19 to pass therefrom as is displaced by the contraction of the head 19 to its normal size, which is slightly less than the crown mold in which it has been seated. If desired, the pressure on the brim is tightened a while longer, after which the valve 42 is opened to release the water from the cylinder 31, which is necessary to permit the contraction of the face 27. These operations having been completed, the pressure is released and the spring 43 is permitted to lift the lever 12 and parts connected therewith. The arms 11 fold, as shown in F ig. 1 of the drawings, lifting the blocks 15 and the shaft 13 connected therewith. The cross head 1G, head 19, and cylinder 31 are elevated to the position shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings., separating the same from the die 18 and table 17 sufficiently to permit the removal of the hat from the brim-forming die 18 and the crown mold within the table 17.

If it is desired to change the die 18, this is done without reference to the face 27 and cylinder 31. 1V hen the'cylinder 31 and face 2T are now lowered to rest on the die-18, the

face 27 adjusts itself to the general shape of the new die, being suiiiciently pliable for that purpose. lVhen pressure material is introduced into the cylinder 31, the face 27 is forced against thebrim and the die thoreunder to assume all of the particular or ieculiar shapes of the new die. If, on theother hand, through use the die has become worn, or misshapen, the expansion of the face 27 conforms therewith, imparting to the brim .an even and constant pressure over the entire surface thereof.

It will be noted that when preparing the machine for pressing, there is no need for packing or lling between the edge of the brimforming die and the table 17, to prevent injury to the rubber face with which the die 18 is usually provided. The danger referred to usually results from steam or water which escapes from the head 19.

lVhen it is desired to change-the style of the brim to a degree greater than provided for in the form of face 27, the face is stripped from tlie cylinder 3l by removing the ring 33, when it will be found that the flange 28 may be drawn down over the outside surface of the cylinder 26. A new face having the desired contour is then introduced by reversing the operation above set forth, and in replacing the ring 33 to hold the new face in service.

Claims:

1. A hat machine comprising a rigid crown mold; a rigid brim die; a flexible crown die corresponding with said crown mold; a flexible brim mold corresponding with said brim die; means for expanding said crown die and brim mold while in contact with the mold and die with which they are associated, said means embodying a hydraulic pressure mechanism; and means manually operative for controlling said hydraulic mechanism for exerting pressures of varied intensity on said molds and dies.

2. A hat machine comprising a rigid crown-shaping member; a rigid brim-shaping member; an expansible crown-forming member; an expansible brim-forming member; means for supplying liquidunder pressure for expanding said crown-forming and brim-forming members; and means for regulating the supply of liquid to said expansible members for producing independent expansive pressures therein.

3. A hat machine comprising a rigid crown-shaping member; a rigid brim-shaping member; an expansible crown-forming member; an expansible brim-forming member; means for supplying liquid under pressure for expanding said crown-forming and brim-forming members; and means for regulating the supply of liquid to said expansible members for producing independindependentlyV for ent expansive pressures therein, said means embodying apressure gage in open communication with said liquid, and cut-ofi' valves interposed between said supply means andl each of said expansible members.

4. A hat machine comprising a rigid crown mold; a rubber crown head shaped in correspondence therewith; aV rigid brim die disposed in juxtaposed relation to said mold; a pressure member rfor cooperating with said brim die, said member having a rubber face conforming with said die; means for supplying liquid under pressure operatively connected withl said head and ysaid pressure member;and means for cutting olf the supply of said liquid from said members independently for producing different pressures in said die and member.

5. A hat machine comprising. a rigid crown mold; a rubber crown head shaped in correspondence therewith; a rigid brim die disposed in juxtaposed relation to said mold; a pressure member for cooperating with said brim die, said member having a rubber face conforming with said die; means for supplying liquid under pressure operatively connected with said head and said pressure member; means for cutting off the supply of liquid from said member and said head producing different pressures in said die and member; and a pressure gage operatively connected with the supply of said liquid for indicating the pressure thereon.

6. A hat machine comprising a supporting frame having a stationary crown mold and a brim die; a reciprocating frame having a cross head movable toward and away from said mold and die; a mechanism for elevating and depressing said frame and cross head thereon; an expansible head for insertion in said mold; a rigid member for covering said brim die; an expansible face for said member arranged for forming a hollow chamber between said face and the rigid frame of said member; hydraulic power means operatively connected with said head and'with said chamber for expanding the same; and means manually controlled for determining the supply of power medium to said head and chamber.

7. A hat machine comprising a supporting frame having a Stationary crown mold and a brim die; a reciprocating frame having a cross head movable toward and away from said mold and die; a mechanism for elevating and depressing said frame and cross head thereon; an expansible head for insertion in said mold; a rigid member for covering said brim die; an expansible face for said member arranged to form a hollow chamber between said face and said rigid member; hydraulic power means operatively connected with said head and' with said chamber for expanding the same; and means manually controlled for determining the supply of power medium to said head and said chamber independently.

8. A hat machine comprising a supporting frame having a stationary crown mold and a brim die; a reciprocating frame having a cross head movable toward and away from said mold and die; a mechanism for elevating and depressing said frame and cross head thereon; anexpansible head for insertion in said mold; a rigid. member for Cmf'ering` said brim die; an expansible face for said member arranged for forming a hollow chamber between said face and said rigid member; hydraulic power means operatively connected with said head and with said chamber for expanding the same; and means manually controlled for determining the supply of power medium to said head and said chamber independently, said means embodying a plurality of valves, each disposed on the branch of said supply connected with said head 0r said chamber.

yCopies of this patent may be obtained for 9. A hat machine comprising a supporting frame having a stationary crown and a brim die; a reciprocating frame having a cross head movable toward and away from said mold and die; a mechanism for elevating and depressing said frame and cross head thereon; an eXpansible head for inser- .tion in said mold; a rigid member for covering said brim die; an eXpansible rubber covering for said member, said covering having a relatively hardened surface; hydraulic power means operatively connected with said head and with the chamber formed between said eXpansible covering and the rigid member for expanding the same; and means manually controlled for determining the supply of power medium to said head and chamber.

JAMES LAKE, JR.

Witnesses:

E. F. MURDOCK, PHILIP D. RoLLHAUs.

ive cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, 1). C. 

